Shubman Gill and Avesh Khan Return to India After T20 World Cup’s US Leg
Shubman Gill and Avesh Khan, who were part of the Indian squad as travelling reserves for the T20 World Cup 2024, are set to return to India after the conclusion of the US leg of the tournament. Despite being on standby in case of any player mishaps, neither player got a chance to take the field, as India’s playing XI found stability mid-tournament.
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal was chosen over Shubman Gill but has not yet played a game, with Virat Kohli opening alongside Rohit Sharma. The Indian pacers have hit their stride, with each bowler contributing effectively, leaving Avesh Khan out of the equation. Reports indicate that both Gill and Avesh will fly back to India after the USA matches. On Wednesday, both players were seen traveling with the team from New York to Fort Lauderdale on a chartered flight.
The team management’s decision to send them back is strategic. Gill’s return is straightforward since Jaiswal serves as the backup opener. For Avesh, the team already has a strong lineup of right-arm pacers, including Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, with all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube also contributing to the pace attack. Khaleel Ahmed, a left-arm pacer, remains with the team as an option should Arshdeep Singh face any issues.
India’s performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 has been impressive, securing a place in the Super 8 stages with a win over the USA on June 12. The team will play its first Super 8 game on June 20. The subsequent matches are scheduled for June 22 in Antigua and June 24 in St. Lucia. Should India advance to the semifinals, they will play in Georgetown, Guyana, on June 27, with the final set for Bridgetown on June 29.
This move underscores India’s confidence in their current squad setup and their preparation for the later stages of the tournament. The decision to send back reserves highlights the team’s focus on maintaining a streamlined and efficient squad, ready to tackle the challenges ahead with their best-selected players.
The performance of the Indian team thus far has been encouraging, with all players contributing significantly. The bowlers, in particular, have shown excellent form, with each member of the pace attack among the wickets. This has left little room for Avesh Khan, who, despite being a reliable option, has not been required to step in.
Similarly, in the batting department, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have taken on the opening responsibilities, leaving Jaiswal and Gill without playing time. With Kohli’s experience and Sharma’s leadership, the Indian top order looks solid, making it challenging for the reserves to find a spot.
Rinku Singh and Khaleel Ahmed, other reserves still with the team, provide additional depth and options should any changes be necessary due to injuries or form concerns. Their presence ensures that India remains prepared for any contingencies, maintaining a balance between experienced campaigners and promising talent.
India’s dream of lifting the ICC T20 World Cup silverware remains strong, especially after several years of near misses in international tournaments. The team’s current form and strategic decisions, like sending back Gill and Avesh to manage squad dynamics, reflect their determination and focus on winning the coveted trophy.
As the T20 World Cup progresses, India will continue to adapt and strategize to ensure their best performance. The players and management are working cohesively towards the common goal of achieving success on the world stage. With a strong squad, effective leadership, and a well-thought-out approach, India aims to overcome past disappointments and secure ICC glory.